Russian-Canadians react to war in Ukraine: ‘It’s unbearable, unexplainable, unspeakable’

Ekaterina Gillingham and Elena Arutyunova both immigrated to Canada from Russia and the Edmontonians say they do not agree with the violent invasion.

People around the world have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Russian-Canadians. Those who have say it is their responsibility to separate the beliefs of Russian people from the choices of the Russian government.

Ekaterina Gillingham and Elena Arutyunova both immigrated to Canada from Russia and the Edmontonians say they do not agree with the violent invasion.

“I want it to be stopped as soon as possible,” Arutyunova said. “It’s impossible what is going on.”

Like many Russians, Gillingham and Arutyunova have close ties to both countries involved in the conflict. Gillingham’s great-grandmother is Ukrainian, while Arutyunova is half-Russian, half-Ukrainian, and was raised part-time in both countries.

READ MORE: Calgary woman takes in niece and nephew as sister defends home in Ukraine

To give more context to Canadians, Arutyunova said the invasion would be comparable to a war between Alberta and British Columbia.

Although she left Russia a long time ago, she said she still feels a lot of shame.

“Even though I didn’t do anything, and I’ve lived here for 20 years, I am still Russian,” Arutyunova said. “To see what your country is doing, it relates to me as well.